The next pages are a summary of the best things I have learned thus far!
Please note that unlike the first Sabbatical in South Africa, this time people are welcome to participate with Pastor Mark in his reflection, renewal and retooling:
You are welcome to sit in on the monthly "Live Presentations" from Vibrant Faith.
The following key books guiding Pastor Mark's learning:
from our Synod emphasis on "Re-imagining Church":
with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (learning with Ron Wilson, Dewey Reilley, Pastor Jeff Tarras):
Vibrant Faith's list:
In May, 2016 Pastor Mark attended:
Following was Pastor Mark’s initial reading list to explore what's happening in the 21st Century:
You are welcome to sit in on the monthly "Live Presentations" from Vibrant Faith.
- Live Presentation dates & times are listed in the newsletter, bulletin or call the church office
The following key books guiding Pastor Mark's learning:
from our Synod emphasis on "Re-imagining Church":
- Joining God, Remaking Church, Changing the World: The New Shape of the Church in Our Time, by Alan Roxburgh
- The Agile Church: Spirit-Led Innovation in an Uncertain Age, by Dwight Zscheile
with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (learning with Ron Wilson, Dewey Reilley, Pastor Jeff Tarras):
- 3 Dimensional Coaching: Capturing the Heart behind the Jersey, by Jeff Duke
Vibrant Faith's list:
- Reimagining Faith Formation for the 21st Century: engaging All Ages & Generations, by John Roberto
- Envisioning the Congregation, Practicing the Gospel: A Guide for Pastors and Lay Leaders, by John W. Stewart
- Generations Together., by Kathie Amidei, Jim Merhaut, and John Roberto
- Intergenerational Christian Formation, by Holly Allen & Christine Ross
- Families at the Center of Faith Formation, by Leif Kehrwald, John Roberto, Gene Roehlkepartain, Jolene Roehlkepartain
In May, 2016 Pastor Mark attended:
- April 23 on welcoming South Africans, 12:30 at Calvary, Merrill
- April 24 worshipping at Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church
- May 4 on “Engaging Adults in Faith Formation”, in LaCrosse (click here to register)
- May 12-14 at “Verge Chicago” and Saturate (see www.vergenetwork.org & https://saturatetheworld.com)
- May 19 “We Are Church: Listening to Black voices of the past, present & future”, Green Bay, pre-Assembly event
- June 6-8 for “eFormation Conference”, webinar at Grace
Following was Pastor Mark’s initial reading list to explore what's happening in the 21st Century:
- on missional – a church focused on God’s Mission
- Wake Up Church! by Ed Kruse and Bill Steadman (Grace has a copy)
- Governance & Ministry, 2nd Edition, by Dan Hotchkiss (Grace has a copy)
- Sent and Gathered: A Worship Manual for the Missional Church, by Clayton Schmit
- The Evangelizing church: A Lutheran Contribution
- on accompaniment – a church that listens deeply to the other
- Not in God’s Name: Confronting Religious Violence, by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
- The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning, by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
- The Dignity of Difference: How to Avoid the Clash of Civilizations, by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
- on relationships– a church that lives out love for neighbor
- Generational IQ, by Haydn Shaw
- You Lost Me; Starting Conversations between Generatons… On Faith, Doubt, Sex, Science, Culture, and Church, by David Kinnaman, president of Barna Group
- The Emotional Intelligence of Jesus, by Roy Oswald and Arland Jacobson
- Barna Frames, a new kind of minibook – nine subjects
- 20 and Something: have the Time of Your Life And figure It All Out Too
- Becoming Home: Adoption, Foster Care, and Mentoring – Living Out God’s heart for Orphans
- Fighting for Peace: Your Role in a Culture Too comfortable with Violence
- Greater Expectations: Succeed in and On-Demand, All-Access, Always-On Age
- The Hyoperlinked Life: Live with Wisdom in an Age of Information Overload
- Multi-Carering: Do Work that Matters at Every Stage of Your Journey
- Sacred Roots: Why Church Still Matters
- Schools in Crisis: They nNeed Your Help – whether you have kids or not
- Wonder Women: Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood, Career, and Identity
- on Discipleship– a church that makes disciples that makes disciples
- Building a Discipling Culture, by Mike Breen and the 3DM Team
- Families at the Center of Faith Formation, by Leif Kehrwald
- Faith Formation 2020: Disigning the Future of Faith Formation, by John Roberto
- on Creation – a church that connects with the imagination and creativity of God
- Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, by Richard Louv
- on Church geared for the 21st Century
- Spiritual Gifts, by Neal Boese
- Healthy Churches Faithful Pastors: Covenant Expectations of Thriving Together, by David Keck